In a moment of comedy genius, the Hull players sat down in a circle in the penalty area to be ticked off by goalscorer Jimmy Bullard.

For it was on the same stage, eleven months ago, that Brown had publicly humiliated his players by staging a half-time teamtalk on the pitch.

Hull's season descended into freefall after that incident and the club only avoided relegation by the skin of the teeth after winning just once more in 19 games.

Ahead of this first return to Eastlands, Hull's players came up with the goal celebration as a way of hitting back at the critics.

Brown was in the dark about the idea but even he saw the funny side of a moment that underlined the strength of team spirit which he has in his Hull dressing room.

Unbeaten now in four games, the Tigers are rapidly climbing away from the Premier League relegation zone.

And it was perhaps fitting that Bullard should be the player to score the all-important late equaliser since his return from injury has been the main catalyst for that improvement.

Bullard scored from the spot with nine minutes to play after referee Lee Probert controversially awarded a penalty for a foul by Kolo Toure on substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Probert appeared to be giving the penalty for handball against Joleon Lescott but, when City manager Mark Hughes complained after the game (armed with video footage showing the ball hitting Lescott on the waist), he claimed it was awarded for Toure's foul.

Whatever the reason, it led to celebrations which will now sit alongside 'Gazza's dentist's chair' and 'Bebeto's rocking baby' in the archives of footballing fame.

Bullard said: "It was Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt who came up with the idea and you know these Irish lads, they are all crackers.

"But we all spoke about it last night and said whoever scored had to do the pointing and of course it had to be me who takes the flak!

"I know I wasn't with Hull when it happened last season but I was well aware of it," he added. "It was only a bit of banter and we all enjoyed it."

Brown described the celebration as 'fantastic' but only realised what had gone after a member of his backroom staff showed it on a laptop after the game.

"I couldn't deliver my post match teamtalk to the players because I was laughing so much," Brown said. "The whole thing was timed to perfection and it will be talked about for a long time."

Manchester City had gone ahead in first-half stoppage time when winger Shaun Wright-Phillips dodged a challenge from Hunt and hit a shot that brushed the head of Anthony Gardner on its way to goal.

Hull had been under pressure for the majority of the first half, creating few opportunities. Fullbacks McShane and Andy Dawson always looked ill at ease against the pace and trickery of City's widemen.

If it wasn't the tricky Brazilian Robinho – back from a three month injury absence – it was Wright-Phillips posing a frequent threat.

After a lucky escape, when Lescott cleared off the line from Richard Garcia, the home side continued to look the more dangerous.

Referee Probert should also have awarded City a penalty when Wright-Phillips was tugged and then pushed by Hunt during a chase into the box.

City's failure to turn possession into more goals proved costly and there were mumblings of discontent from the home supporters after a seventh consecutive draw.

Manager Hughes insisted afterwards that his own future was 'not an issue – yet' but the patience of club owner, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, must surely be wearing thin after the investment of £200m in new players.

Incidentally, City captain Toure wore gloves for the pre-match handshake – neither courteous or clever (in terms of psychology).

If the captain of a football team is worried about a slight chill in the air, what does it say about his side's bravery going into battle?

And when Hull defender McShane went charging towards the tunnel to confront Craig Bellamy about an off-the-ball incident, the Welsh international disappeared from view.

"It was just handbags," said Bullard. "I don't get involved in all that. I think he has chased 'Bellers' who has wound him up. It's a classic but I know I wouldn't like to fight Macca!"

Commenting on the improved results, Bullard added: "We've taken eight points out of a possible 12 so that is good form. I don't think we are in a relegation battle.

"It is still early – we're a month away from Christmas – but we are climbing up the league slowly and we must keep it going."


MATCH FACTS

Hero: Jimmy Bullard

Only his third start since joining Hull in a £5m move ten months ago but the England midfielder is rapidly making up for lost time. Ran his socks off, scored from the spot, and led the hilarious goal celebration.

Villain: Craig Bellamy

The Manchester City striker is never far away from controversy and, despite spending just 15 minutes on the field, did enough to upset Paul McShane and spark a chase to the tunnel at the final whistle.

Key moment:

81st minute: Hull equalise from the spot but the decision angers City manager Mark Hughes. Was it a penalty for handball against Lescott or for a foul by Toure on Vennegoor of Hesselink? Either way, it looked harsh.

Ref watch

Lee Probert: At the centre of two penalty decisions that both went against the home side. Stephen Hunt got away with a foul on Shaun Wright-Phillips but Hull equalised after an equally strange call. Failed to spot a couple of bad fouls by Adebayor and Bellamy on McShane too.

Verdict

Another vital point for Hull whose confidence is returning after a poor start to the season. Although City probably deserved to win the game, they failed to turn their possession into goals..

Quote of the day

It was Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt who came up with the idea and you know these Irish lads, they are all crackers.

– Jimmy Bullard explains his goal celebration.

Next game

Aston Villa, away, Premier League, Saturday December 5.






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